Media Advisory: West Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department to receive an Assistance to Firefighters Operations and Safety Grant

For Immediate Release

Washington D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) announced today that the Town of West Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department received an Assistance to Firefighters Operations and Safety grant for $29,286 from the Department of Homeland Security. The department's application competed against thousands through a peer review process for a portion of federal funding.

Fire Chief James Nix said that the funds would be used to purchase new supply hoses, nozzles, and appliances. This new equipment will replace existing items that are decades old.

"I am pleased that the West Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department was chosen for this competitive grant," Palmer said. "I know this will increase their level of preparedness for fire and other emergencies."

Funds awarded under the Assistance for Firefighters Grant (AFG) program are used to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations. Only the applications most closely conforming to program priorities are considered and scored by peer review panels.

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

For any additional questions, contact:

Cliff Smith, (202) 225-4921, clifford.smith@mail.house.gov

U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) serves on three Congressional committees: Oversight and Government Reform, Budget, and Science, Space and Technology. Visit Palmer online at his website or via Facebook,Twitter, or Instagram.